These Tourist Attractions Will Make You Plan A Trip To The Ancient City Of Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto, Japan is one of the most beautiful and scenic cities in the country. No matter which direction you head to, Kyoto tourist attractions are plenty and for all types of travellers. Divided into 5 major sections, central, northern, southern, eastern, and western, Kyoto, Japan has temples, museums, castles, and other tourist attractions that you can explore.

This ancient city is also a great place to experience the local culture, and apart from exploring Kyoto tourist attractions, you can also explore neighbouring cities like Osaka, Fukuoka, and the capital Tokyo.

Here are places to visit in Kyoto that you must explore

1. Kyoto Manga Museum 

Consisting of three floors of sheer Manga collection, this is one of the most fun things to do in Kyoto. Not only does it have a great permanent collection but also hosts many temporary exhibitions featuring international artists. The collection has Manga in both international languages as well as Japanese, making it one of the top Kyoto, Japan attractions.

2. Kyoto Aquarium 

This two-story aquarium is one of the best places to visit in Kyoto to witness aquatic life in the city. Apart from dolphins, jellyfish, penguins, and seals, it is also home to the Japanese Giant Salamander. It also strives to be a conservation centre for local endangered species by breeding and care.

Explore The Capital Of Japan Like A Pro: Quick Tokyo Guide

3. Kyoto National Museum 

Home to some of Japan's most significant ceramic artworks as well as exhibitions,  the Kyoto National Museum is one of the major four museums in the country. While the permanent exhibitions at this museum are open to the public for a short duration in the year, temporary exhibitions featuring artists from all over the world are held periodically and the schedule can be checked on the museum’s website.

4. Fushimi Inari Shrine 

One of the most widely recognised of Kyoto tourist attractions, Shinto Shine is home to thousands of vermilion Torii gates that line the trails that lead to mountain Inari. Fushimi Inari Shrine is also one of the most important shrines dedicated to Inari, the Shinto God of rice. Exploring these trails to Mount Inari is one of the most interesting things to do in Kyoto Japan.

5. Fushimi Sake District 

If you are a fan of the Japanese drink Saket, visiting the Fushimi Sake district has to be one of the best things to do in Kyoto for you. To avoid a variety of Saket breweries, this district is one of the most fun Kyoto tourist attractions. Another of the things to do in Kyoto while you are visiting the Fushimi Sake district is taking a sightseeing Cruise on the river.

6. Toji Temple 

Toji Temple is one of Kyoto's many UNESCO World Heritage sites and one of the best places to visit in Kyoto. Serving as one of the guardian temples of the city, it is also one of the oldest temples and home to the biggest pagoda in Japan. When visiting the Toji temple, you can also explore other famous Kyoto places like the Homotsukan Museum, and flea market nearby.

Bookmark These Must-See Places In Osaka For Your Next Trip To Japan

7. Kinkakuji 

The Zen temple, covered entirely in gold leaf, is another of the Kyoto, Japan attractions that’ll take your breath away. At this temple featured regularly is the list of places to visit in Kyoto, the first floor houses statues of the Shaka Buddha (historical Buddha) and Yoshimitsu. The second floor is home to the Kannon Bodhisattva statue surrounded by of the Four Heavenly Kings, and the third is a Chinese-style Zen hall. While the pavilion of the temple cannot be visited, all of these statues can be seen from across the pond when the doors are open.

8. Kyoto Imperial Palace

Up until 1868 til when the emperor and the capital hadn’t been moved, The Kyoto Imperial Palace used to be the residence of Japan’s Imperial Family. Now The Tokyo Imperial Palace is used for enthronement ceremonies. The palace grounds, which were previously only accessible on guided tours that needed bookings in advancements, now can be entered without joining a tour or making any prior arrangements – although English language tours are still offered. Viewing the palace structures and gardens is allowed however entering the buildings is strictly prohibited.